Pune, Maharashtra (June 18, 2025): A 57-year-old Warkari was killed after being hit by a speeding crane while walking from Dehu to Alandi to take part in the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi procession on Wednesday. The incident occurred around 11.45 a.m. near Shelarvasti in the Talawade area on Dehu-Alandi Road. The deceased was identified as Narayan Godve, a resident of Ahergaon in Madha taluka of Solapur district. According to the reports, Godve was walking towards Alandi when a crane coming from behind struck him. He sustained serious injuries and was immediately taken to YCM Hospital in Pimpri by Chikhali Police. However, doctors declared him dead before treatment could begin.
The crane driver has been taken into custody, and procedures to register a case are currently underway. According to the reports, The accident caused a major traffic jam on the Dehu-Alandi Road for a brief period. Police later managed to bring the traffic under control.
The annual Palkhi processions of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj are currently underway. The Tukaram Maharaj procession began on Wednesday, while the Dnyaneshwar Maharaj procession will begin on Thursday. Lakhs of Warkaris have gathered in the Dehu and Alandi areas for the event.
In light of the large crowd, Pimpri Chinchwad Police have enforced strict traffic arrangements. Several roads leading to Dehu and Alandi have been closed to four-wheelers and two-wheelers. Despite the precautions, one Warkari lost his life in the accident.